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Incline head wrestling coach Tony Spiker and assistant coach Jordan Cronin hit the road with six eager Highlanders to compete at Pershing County this past Saturday.

For a few of the Incline wrestlers, it was the first time to step on a mat and compete.

Monday through Friday for two hours in the evening, these wrestlers have been getting ready for this first tournament. They did not disappoint.

Michael Wegener, a senior, took second place at 132 pounds. He wrestled at a weight class above where he will finish the season.

"He wrestled well but will improve greatly throughout the season," Spiker said. "It was a great first showing."

Incline freshman Michael Guymon wrestled "outstanding" in his first high school tournament at 170 pounds, which also is one weight class above where he will finish the season, Spiker said.

His first match was against Jared Jensen, a three-time state champion from Pershing County.

"While Michael lost, he showed his team signs of greatness," Spiker said. "A freshman wrestling in the upper weight class against older, mature wrestlers, to take third place is an accomplishment."

The coach added that the rest of the team, all freshmen, showed a lot of heart.

"I'm very encouraging for the rest of the season to come," Spiker said.

Wrestling has a long and successful tradition at Incline High, and the Highlanders are asking for the community's help to make the season a success.

The district does not fund tournaments or motel rooms and the team must travel as far away as Elko in order to compete. The team will be holding fundraisers throughout the year, and is asking for the community's support so that the program can continue.

"As a former Incline wrestler, I know the wrestling program is valuable to all our wrestlers now and in the future," said Jordan Cronin. "It is important that it continues."

Anyone interested in making a donation, contact Linda Cronin at 775-831-5772.

The Highlanders will travel to Winnemucca this weekend for a tournament.